As the nation commemorates Martin Luther King Jr Day on January 15, 2024, TIME delves into surprising aspects of the civil rights icon's life. Beyond the well-known "I Have a Dream" speech and pivotal role in the civil rights movement, King's legacy encompasses lesser-known facts that have shaped American history.
Here are 10 intriguing insights into the extraordinary life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr made history in 1963 as the first Black person to be named TIME Man of the Year and TIME acknowledged his "extraordinary King mystique" and capacity for empathy, emphasising the honour as a tribute to the entire civil rights movement.
The renowned "I Have a Dream" speech almost took a different course. Initially titled "Normalcy Never Again," King's advisors suggested a change due to overuse of the dream theme. However, prompted by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, King improvised the powerful section, leaving behind his prepared notes.
A decade before his death, King faced an assassination attempt in Harlem. Despite the assailant's intention, King survived, reaffirming his commitment to nonviolence. He forgave the woman, Izola Ware Curry, who was committed to a mental hospital.
King's birthday as a national holiday faced years of resistance in Congress. It wasn't until 1983, with Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" adding momentum, that President Ronald Reagan signed it into law. Official observance across all 50 states occurred in 2000.
Skipping grades, King entered Morehouse College at 15. Initially resistant to a ministry career, he embraced it under the influence of Morehouse figures, adopting nonviolent resistance during his studies.
Actress Julia Roberts revealed the King family covered her parents' hospital expenses when she was born in 1967, showcasing the personal connections formed outside the civil rights sphere.
King's commitment to civil rights led to 30 arrests, orchestrated by police to intimidate activists. These arrests, often on false charges, were part of a deliberate strategy during the turbulent civil rights era.
Despite official accounts, King's family believes James Earl Ray, the alleged assassin, was framed. A civil suit ruled in favour of a conspiracy, stating Ray did not act alone, leading to a nominal damages award.
At 35, King became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1964. He was recognised for his commitment to nonviolent resistance and donated the prize money to support the civil rights movement.
Michael King Jr was originally renamed after his father, who inspired the Protestant reformer Martin Luther during a religious trip worldwide.
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